We don’t expect to see wives in the office!

“We don’t expect to see wives in the office!” was the abrupt response from my new manager as I introduced my wife and myself on arrival.

It was 1968, and I had been transferred from a country town in northern NSW where the manager knew the families of all his staff, and was rather taken aback by the reception in Melbourne. Arriving in the middle of winter, we found Melbourne to be rather strange – driving the streets, you never saw an open window or door, and rarely saw anyone in the yards.

After six months and family problems with asthma, we realised that we would not be able to continue to live in such a variable climate and I was forced to explain my situation and ask if there was any chance of a transfer to a more stable and warmer climate.

After ascertaining that we were not just homesick, I was offered a position in Townsville, which I readily accepted, although I had never been north of Brisbane before. All I knew was that Townsville would be warmer and hopefully a more stable climate than Melbourne.

Financially all we had was about $2000 saved from the sale of our house, and which we hoped to be a deposit for another in due course. As I had requested the move, I asked if the company would fund the removal of our possessions (about $2500) and was told that “It was up to Townsville, and I could ask them when I got there”. Employer/employee relations had not improved!

Driving across the Murray river on our way north, the children in the back seat began singing – “We’re on our way to freedom…”

I called in to my old workplace on my way through, and it was there that I was told about Stingers and Stone Fish in tropical waters. I made an informed decision there and then not to mention the fact at that stage.

Our trip north was a little like a holiday trip – apart from the fact that we didn’t know if we were totally broke or had a deposit for a house in an unknown town.

After Rockhampton, as the road deteriorated from single-track bitumen to gravel, I did wonder occasionally – but there did not seem to be another road, so we pushed on.

Arriving in Townsville on the Australia Day weekend, it was of course wet – all the saltpans through Oonoonba were full of water – as were the potholes – and a tentative voice beside me said, “Keith, where have you brought us?”

We were, however, put in a motel on the Strand for a week, our removal costs were of course met, and at that time I had to fess up to the family about Stingers and Stone Fish.

The icing on the cake came when the children were put into school, and came home so excited “that if it was raining they didn’t have to wear shoes to school.”

Now, 45 years later, I have just about finished my apprenticeship, and I think I can now claim to be a real North Queenslander.

6
Comments

Rex Grattidge

Keith I presume you took the inland road from Marlborough to Sarina, the coast road, the one we use now was worse! Then we came north in 1953 the Sarina road was two wheel track with grass in the middle...you were obviously on the Highway :-)

Amanda Townsend

You never let me go to school without shoes!
That first week on the Strand was like being in paradise. The beach, coconut trees, the Rock Pool, and my fondest memory - ordering room service for the first time ever - ice-cream with chocolate sauce.

Susie Sarah

Great story Keith. Making changes with a young family is like stepping into the void. I sensed your relief that it worked out O.K.

Tenille Townsend

I loved reading this, Pop! You write beautifully.

veeda oakley

We have come a long way in Melbourne since then - but I still wouldn't take your family to the office.

John Elliott

Good story Keith. Yes,you definitely qualify!
My arrival was somewhat later (1986) but being warm and wet in the rain is still as good as ever.